Do studies count towards pension staž? Sodra explains what you need to know

In Lithuania, time spent pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees does not count towards pension social insurance periods, according to "Sodra," the country's social insurance institution. "Sodra" tracks periods for which social insurance contributions are paid, primarily through employment or voluntary contributions, or when the state provides insurance.

While studying, if an individual is also employed under a labor contract, the employment period contributes to their pension staž. This staž accumulation is due to the work, not the studies themselves. The institution clarifies that its system records social insurance periods, not study periods.

However, certain exceptions exist for older periods of learning and qualification enhancement. Before June 1, 1991, periods of employee training or qualification courses at an employer's behest, and paid practical work or positions held by students and pupils, were included. Additionally, postgraduate studies, doctoral programs, clinical residencies, and internships until December 31, 1994, could be counted.

Since 1995, no study periods grant pension social insurance staž. From January 1, 2006, vocational school students and university students during professional practice are insured by the state only for accident and occupational disease insurance, which does not contribute to pension staž. While full-time students are covered by mandatory health insurance, this is separate from pension social insurance.